Although it seems that cancer is a disease that mainly affects women, it is also an issue for men. Today I want to dedicate this column to men, to talk about an uncommon type of cancer, testicular cancer.
This pathology manifests itself with the proliferation of cancerous cells in the testicles, organs in which sperm and the hormone testosterone are produced. It can manifest itself in men at any age, especially between 15 and 45 years of age.
One of the first signs is when a lump or bump can be felt in the testicles. The cancerous cells reproduce rapidly and can even spread to other parts of the body.
The positive thing is that it is highly treatable, depending on the degree of malignancy and if detected in time. Among the treatments are surgery, radiotherapies or chemotherapies.
There are other symptoms such as: feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, pain in the lower abdomen or groin, sudden swelling in the scrotum, pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum, enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue, and back pain.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are some symptoms that could be confused with testicular cancer, such as inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), or of the epididymis (epididymitis), which produces pain and swelling. Both conditions can be caused by bacterial or viral infections.
Some patients with testicular cancer have no symptoms at all and the condition is only detected when medical tests are performed for other diseases. One such case is when imaging studies are done to determine the cause of infertility and it is discovered that the individual has cancer.
The Society has also determined that there are rare cases in which some tumors can cause growth and irritation of the nipples, due to high levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates growth and loss of sexual desire.
In the case of some boys, it can cause signs of early puberty, such as deep voice and abnormal growth of facial and body hair.
Usually, testicular cancer occurs in only one testicle. If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, such as pain, swelling or lumps in the testicles or groin, see your doctor or a urologist.
In more advanced cases, the cancer cells move from the testicle to the lymph nodes, and from there to the liver and lungs, becoming metastatic testicular cancer.
There are many risk factors such as:
Cryptorchidism: The testicles form in the womb and usually descend into the scrotum before birth. However, when a testicle does not descend normally, it is known as cryptorchidism, and surgery is necessary. This abnormality increases the risk of testicular cancer.
Family history: If any family member has this type of cancer, the possibility of risk increases.
Young adults: Although this pathology can occur at any age, the highest risk range is between 20 and 34 years old.
White race: The risk is very high in people with white skin.
It is important to have a general examination with your trusted physician and also to consult with the urologist, who is well trained to check and diagnose the urinary system. Either by a physical examination, a blood test or an ultrasound, to know the state of your health.
Self-examination should also be a regular practice for men when taking a bath; do it at least once a month. Self-examination is useful because it raises awareness regarding the fact that by touching or palpating the testicles, lumps or abnormalities can be detected.
A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, not smoking and avoiding alcohol, and pleasurable practices such as masturbation or sex; the more ejaculations you have, the less likely testicular cancer becomes.
Do not take any chances. Have sex #sinrecato, is for your health.
Traducción del español: Catalina Oviedo Brugés
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